Bayonne Councilman-at-large Anthony Chiappone surprised the city yesterday by resigning his council seat with 15 months left in his term. Chiappone declined to comment, saying he would make an announcement about both his council seat and his seat in the state Assembly on Monday.

Chiappone will run for re-election to the Assembly in June, backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

"I'm a little shocked. I didn't think he'd ever give it up," said veteran Second Ward Councilman John Halecky. "It seemed like he really enjoyed politics."

The Bayonne City Council, which next meets April 29, will pick a temporary replacement for Chiappone to serve only until the November general election, City Clerk Robert Sloan said.